Author Description

A respected resource for decades, the <i>Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals</i> has been updated by a committee of experts, taking into consideration input from the scientific and laboratory animal communities and the public at large. The <i>Guide</i> incorporates new scientific information on common laboratory animals, including aquatic species, and includes extensive references. It is organized around major components of animal use: <br><br><ul> <li><b>Key concepts of animal care and use.</b> The <i>Guide</i> sets the framework for the humane care and use of laboratory animals.</li> <li><b>Animal care and use program.</b> The <i>Guide</i> discusses the concept of a broad Program of Animal Care and Use, including roles and responsibilities of the Institutional Official, Attending Veterinarian and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.</li> <li><b>Animal environment, husbandry, and management.</b> A chapter on this topic is now divided into sections on terrestrial and aquatic animals and provides recommendations for housing and environment, husbandry, behavioral and population management, and more.</li> <li><b>Veterinary care.</b> The <i>Guide</i> discusses veterinary care and the responsibilities of the Attending Veterinarian. It includes recommendations on animal procurement and transportation, preventive medicine (including animal biosecurity), and clinical care and management. The <i>Guide</i> addresses distress and pain recognition and relief, and issues surrounding euthanasia.</li> <li><b>Physical plant.</b> The <i>Guide</i> identifies design issues, providing construction guidelines for functional areas; considerations such as drainage, vibration and noise control, and environmental monitoring; and specialized facilities for animal housing and research needs.</li> </ul> <br><br>The <i>Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals</i> provides a framework for the judgments required in the management of animal facilities. This updated